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First Aid

November 29, 2015

Some of the most frequent calls I get from parents are for first aid. After assessing that the injury or illness can be treated at home, I then instruct the parent how to treat their child with a particular medication or natural remedy. All too frequently essential first aid items are not present in the home and mom or dad has to run to the store in a panic. Plan ahead for the next first aid emergency. Having supplies gathered ahead of time will help you handle the next illness or injury at a moment’s notice.

A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Injuries that require first aid are urgent, and there often isn’t time to run out to the store to grab the items necessary to treat the injury. It’s also convenient to have everything on hand that you’ll need for the next cold or flu that sweeps through your house. Who wants to run to the store with sick children? Treating colds and flus at the first sign of symptoms can have a powerful impact on the duration and severity of the illness.

Also be sure to bring a first-aid kit on family vacations. Bring extra prescription medications when going on vacation. All adults who provide childcare to your children should know where your first aid kit is located. Frequently remind babysitters where emergency numbers and the first aid are located.

As your children grow, different strengths of medicines will be necessary. Depending on the age of your children, you may need Motrin in concentrated infant drops, children’s liquid, or chewables. Store first-aid kits in places that are out of children’s reach but easily accessible for adults. Check the kits regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired.

Choose containers for your kits that are roomy, durable, easy to carry, and simple to open. Plastic tackle boxes or containers for storing art supplies are ideal, since they’re lightweight, have handles, and offer a lot of space. Prepackaged first-aid kits currently available are economical and contain many of the essential items. No one commercial product, however, will contain everything you need in your personalized family kit. So you can start with the prepackaged kit and add the extra items you require, or build your own from scratch.

Keep a list of emergency numbers by your phone and securely taped in your first aid kit. Numbers to include are your family doctor or pediatrician, your local children’s hospital, poison center number, and location of the nearest emergency room. You may want to include your two closest neighbors in case you need immediate assistance, such as childcare for an older sibling or a ride to the hospital. You’ll also want to post these on the refrigerator for your immediate use and for babysitters.

Arnica (homeopathic): Give immediately for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles, this remedy is available in pellets, cream, or ointment, Homeopathic arnica pellets (30C, 12C) can be given orally/internally. The cream or ointment can be applied topically to intact skin (not for open wounds).

Tummy Glycerite (Wise Women Herbs): An herbal combination that is great for upset stomachs, gas and colic, and reflux.

Fever Glycerite: for support of a fever. Helps the body regulate temperature and dissipate heat.

Warming Vaporous Rub (Gaia’s Herbs): Apply to chest and back before bed to help ease breathing during colds and flus. Especially useful for nasal and chest congestion. If using on young children, make sure they cannot touch their chest! If it gets on their fingers and then rub their eyes it will burn! Alternatively, place vaporous rub only on their back.

Herbal Ear drops (Garlic Mullein Oil or Dr. Heron’s Ear Oil): For soothing the pain of earaches and has antibacterial properties for ear infections. Consult your doctor before putting any medication in ears.

Rescue Remedy: For calming the mental and emotional state after any trauma, shock, or panic. The combination Bach Flower remedy can be given to infants and animals. Dosage is a couple drops on the tongue.

Now you have an excellent first aid kit put together! You also need to know how to use it. Always consult your physician for dosages on medications or natural remedies. Dosage for most items depends on child’s age and weight. All parents need to have taken a First Aid and CPR class for infants and children. Contact your local Red Cross Center for times and dates of their next classes. CPR and First Aid is an essential learning experience for any new or expecting parent, grandparent or anyone who is responsible for the care of infants and children.